In the latest episode of the Football Weekly Extra podcast, host Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini, and Mark Langdon to discuss the recent Champions League matches and preview the upcoming Premier League fixtures. The panel reflects on Arsenal's disappointing 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at the San Siro, analyzing the team's current struggles and the impact of a controversial handball decision that led to a penalty for Inter. They delve into whether the penalty was justified and what it means for Arsenal's form moving forward. Additionally, the discussion turns to Aston Villa, where Tyrone Mings had a challenging Champions League debut, conceding a penalty after handling the ball in the box during their match against Club Brugge. The panel considers whether they have underestimated the Belgian side in this competition. Listeners are encouraged to rate, review, and share the podcast on various platforms, and to engage with the conversation on social media or via email.

**Ancelotti Acknowledges Real Madrid's Struggles but Remains Hopeful for Recovery** Carlo Ancelotti did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing Real Madrid following their disappointing defeat to AC Milan. The coach candidly remarked, “The reality is what was seen on the pitch,” and what unfolded was far from impressive. In fact, it was a dismal performance that left even the most devoted fans, known for their unwavering support and penchant for late comebacks, leaving the stadium early, expressing their frustration with whistles. The only surprising aspect was that they refrained from waving the traditional white handkerchiefs in protest. Real Madrid found themselves trailing 3-1 against Milan, a team that had managed just one away victory at San Siro all season. The defeat felt inevitable and well-deserved, marking a troubling trend for Ancelotti’s squad. In just 11 days, they had suffered as many losses as they did throughout the entire previous season. The recent home matches have been particularly alarming. Following a 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona, Madrid conceded three goals to Milan, marking the first time in 15 years that they had allowed such back-to-back defeats at home. What was even more concerning was not just the scoreline, but the manner in which they were beaten. The players displayed a lack of urgency that frustrated supporters, coupled with a sense of weakness, disorientation, and individualism that made Milan’s task surprisingly easy. It was as if the team had failed to show up, reminiscent of their lackluster performance during the Ballon d’Or. While one might be tempted to label this as a systemic failure, there was little evidence of a coherent system in place, especially after having the luxury of 10 days to prepare for the match. Despite the current struggles, Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team's potential for recovery.